Smart Total Renovation of Brooklyn 1 bdrm Apt: 900 sq ft

Name: Shiva Farrokhi
Location: Dumbo Brooklyn, NYC
Size: 900 sq ft
Type of Home: 1 Bedroom Apartment
Years Lived In: Own, 4 years

Shiva Farrokhi, designer

Shiva Farrokhi and her husband are designers and every foot of their apartment tells you so. Shiva is both a product and interior designer with a background in industrial design. When she and her husband, Hakhamanesh Mashayekhi, purchased the apartment prior to the start of the Covid Pandemic in 2020 they were told they’d have one month to do whatever renovations they needed to move in. Working under pressure wasn't a problem for this couple; they made smart, swift decisions that completely transformed the previous studio loft to a well organized one bedroom. They turned a cramped square kitchen into a long spacious kitchen and dining room. They hung a wall of paned glass to allow light to pass through the bedroom to the dining room. The living room expanded its footprint, allowing space for a working fireplace and twin desktops. Their creativity poured into the bathroom, combining the dark black grout trend with an unexpected neon pink light and quirky artwork. Originally from Tehran, Iranian culture and art infuse the home with warmth, meaning, and nostalgia. Check out the commissioned mural by Sisi Rescht in their foyer which beautifully depicts the *here but still there* heart of an immigrant. There are so many great suggestions and lovely vantage points in Shiva and Hakhamanesh’s home; we hope you enjoy!

See Apartment Therapy’s photo house tour of the space at

Original Mural by Sisi Rescht

CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro and layout
1:00 - Floor plan before and after renovation
1:35 - Kitchen
4:17 - Dishwasher mistake
5:50 - Mural
7:09 - Bedroom
9:21 - Living room
10:16 - Fireplace
11:47 - Balcony
13:20 - Neon bathroom
14:07 - Walk-in closet
14:51 - Shiva’s idea of home

[volenaband]

The dishwasher has me dying. Love how realistic this is

[winterlighthome]

This woman and her home make me smile so big! I love how this apartment is elegant and calm yet also playful.
The alam on the mantel is GORGEOUS. Loved her comment about dining room table ping pong during pandemic lockdown. The dishwasher conundrum cracked me up. MacGyvering with a Swiffer is priceless! I just saved this apartment tour in my "Favorite Apartment Therapy Videos" folder. It's now the 6th gem in that folder!

[alliemonreale]

The dishwasher is so relatable. We added heavy tiles to our hallway, not considering the trap door. Now it’s like 30 lbs and you have to risk your life every time you go to the basement. I always picture it being my “Home Alone” boobytrap if there’s ever an intruder 😂

[KarMa-wsll]

What a nice appartment and a even more nice owner. Please show us more real people with their appartment like her!

[gabrieladantas]

I love the glass walls in the apartment. The apartment is simple and very elegant

[keppros]

I've been to Iran, and the people there are amongst the friendliest. Love that the house is filled with bits and pieces of her origin and culture.

[Dwyanest]

Absolutely brilliant apartment! The lack of light in the kitchen area is not ideal but overall it's just a lovely cozy place to be. And yes the dishwasher is so real🤣

[karin]

What a beautiful and thoughtful home. And Shiva, you seem so kind and calm and it’s easy to see your personality in the space. I love everything you did to the apartment, especially the ‘non kitchen’ which is what I have as well. A table is always the better choice. I don’t know why people like islands so much. Really enjoyed this tour ❤️

[leslierobertson]

The metal piece on the mantel is spectacular. Not only as a gorgeous and unique element, but as a reflection of her culture as well. Lovely home!

[User-six]

It’s one of the best flat reno displayed here! ❤ the silver “candle holder” over the fireplace and the hanging chair.

[heidijohnson]

Clever and beautiful reno! And thanks for sharing the dishwasher quirk - such a real moment.

[silmuffin]

Gorgeous apartment! The only thing I did not like is the pink light in the bathroom

[elizabethheatley]

This apartment is so well designed and laid out. Excellent use of the small space. And lovely too!

[crazybeatles]

my favorite so far! I lean bohemian and am a sentimental traveler. But also want my home space to be calming. This is the best combo of those. Displaying the important bits but without overwhelming my senses.

[applezaida]

Play ping pong? Adorable! She cannot let go of that table ever! What a great memory to have. Beautiful apartment btw.

Edit to add: after finishing the video, my goodness the artwork amazing. And the dishwasher 😂😂. And she is just a doll❤

[myrabarr]

Your home is absolutely magical. I can only imagine coming home to such perfection every night. I will be enjoying this video for years to come. Thank you for sharing with us.

[lindaellis]

I FEEL THE LOVE, CARE AND MEMORIES OF YOUR HOME !!!! SO TRANQUIL AND VIBRANT !!! LOVE THE CULTURE !!! 🎉

[andronicemarinis]

This woman and her home are inspirational and fun. Loved everything about her.

[tenawallace]

The floor plan of this apartment is perfect. Beautifully done!

[agatab]

I absolutely adore the space. So cohesive and full of character but calm and tranquil at the same time. Beautiful.